Blood was placed on Aaron’s right ear, thumb, and big toe to symbolize total consecration of his hearing, actions, and walk to God’s service. Each part represented an essential aspect of priestly obedience and holiness before the Lord.
Leviticus 8:23–24 says:
“And Moses killed it, and took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. Then he brought Aaron’s sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet.”
The blood on the ear signified the need for the priest to listen carefully to God’s Word. The blood on the thumb represented purity in service and the work of his hands. The blood on the toe indicated holiness in daily conduct and where he walked.
This ritual underscored that those who minister before God must be wholly devoted to Him in thought, word, and deed. It pointed forward to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled this consecration and whose blood sanctifies believers for holy service (Hebrews 9:14).
